Biography
Alex Torku is currently working toward the PhD degree in Construction and Real Estate Management at the Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Alex holds a master’s degree in Construction Project Management (with distinction) from Heriot-Watt University, UK and a bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics (first class honours) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
Supervisor
Area of Research
- Environmental Gerontology
- Age-friendly Cities and Communities
- Smart Sensing Technologies
Research Scope
Generally, cities and communities are becoming more complex and demanding—physically and mentally to its residents. However, this may be a completely different scenario for older adults who experience ageing-related decline in functional capacity. My research focuses on older adult interaction with the built environment using smart sensing technologies. This research was proposed in pursuit of promoting age-friendly cities and communities.
Research Methodology
An elderly-centric sensing approach is adopted to transform older adults into environmental sensors. This studyrelied on the information contained in the physiological (Heart Rate and Electrodermal Activity), behavioural(Gait) and cognitive (brain activity) signals of older adults to assess the age-friendliness of the physical environment. The signal data are collected using non-intrusive wearable sensors. Statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms are used to mine the signal data.
Prizes and Awards
- First award for best presentation (May 18, 2019), 18 Academic Conference for Post-Graduate Student in Construction Management and Real Estate, Department of Building and Real Estate,organised by The HKPolyU Student Chapter of CIB, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Presentation title: Ageing in cities and communities: Active or Vulnerable?
- The Gardiner & Theobald LLP Prize (2017/2018), Awarded to the graduating student with highest over all average on the MSc Construction Project Management programme, Heriot-Watt University, UK
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (2018/19-2021/22), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HongKong
- Heriot-Watt Distinction Scholarship (2017-2018), Heriot-Watt University, UK
- Overall Best Technical Student (2011/2012), Keta Senior High Technical School, Ghana
- Best Electronics Student (2009/2010, 2010/2011 & 2011/2012), Keta Senior High Technical School, Ghana
Academic Attachment and Exchange
I participated in a summer school program on Sustainable Housing from the European Perspective. This program was organized by the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands.
Publication List
Journal and Conference Papers:
- 1.Torku, A.,Bayrak, T., Ogunlana, S., Chan, A.P.C., Owusu-Manu, D. (2019).Are the Ageing Workforce Satisfied with the Construction Work Environment?In Proceedings ofthe11th International Conference on Construction in the 21stCentury (CITC-11), September 9-11,2019, London, UK.
- 2.Torku, A., Chan, A.P.C., Yung, E.H.K. (2019). The Status of Age-Friendly Community Research.In the International Council for Research and Innovationin Building and Construction (CIB) World Building Congress 2019–Constructing Smart Cities, June 17-21, 2019, Hong Kong.
- 3.Owusu-Manu, D.,Torku, A., Pärn, E., Addy, N.M., and Edwards, D.J. (2017).An Empirical Assessment of Innovation Practices of Quantity Surveying Firmsin Ghana.Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, Vol. 7No. SI (1), pp. 1843-1858, ISSN 2223-7852.
- 4.Torku, A., Owusu-Manu, D., Pärn, E., Addy, N.M., and Edwards, D.J.(2017).Impedance to Innovation Practices in the Ghanaian Construction Industry Consultancy Services: The Perspective of Quantity Surveying Firms.In (Eds)Proceedings of The Ninth International Conference on Construction in the 21stCentury (CITC-9), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 5-7th March, pp. 487-496.
- 5.Torku, A., Owusu-Manu, D., Pärn, E., Addy, N.M., and Edwards, D.J. (2017).Innovate to Compete: An Empirical Assessment of Measures to Enhance Innovation Adoption in Ghanaian Quantity Surveying Firms.In Ayarkwa, et al.(Eds) Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Infrastructure Development in Africa, Ghana, 14-16th April, pp. 198-209
MSc Thesis
- Torku, A. (2018). Rethinking the Construction Work Environment: A Deterministic Study of the Contribution of the Construction Work Environment to the Quality of Life of Ageing Workforce. Unpublished Dissertation submitted in Partial Fulfilment of Master’s Degree in Construction Project Management.School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, UK.
BSc Thesis
- Torku, A. (2016). Empirical Assessment of Ghanaian Construction Industry Consultancy Services Innovation Practices: The Perspective of Quantity Surveying Firms. Unpublished Dissertation submitted in Partial Fulfilment of an Undergraduate Degree in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics.Department of Building Technology, KNUST, Ghana.
Hobbies
Photography, Reading, Soccer, Swimming, Table tennis, Dancing
